The West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) recognizes this as one of the most important years as we address issues regarding economic and community development in a post pandemic world. WLCO is pleased to announce two additions to the 2021-2022 Board of Directors.

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Chicago Park District announced 22 beaches will open this Friday, May 28th for the 2021 season. The return of beach season is another step forward with Open Chicago, the Mayor’s initiative to safely and fully reopen the city. This Friday will mark the first time Chicago beaches have opened for public use since September 2, 2019, due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions. The 2021 beach season runs through Monday, September 6, 2021.

At the request of the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) 12th District, we are sharing new information about a scheduled protest planned for Union Park. If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact the 12th District at 312-746-8396.

In light of developing events around the nation, including the potentially imminent conclusion of the Minnesota v. Chauvin trial and the recent police killings of Daunte Wright in Minneapolis and Adam Toldeo in Chicago, the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) 12th District has asked us to update you on what pre-emptive security measures are being deployed City-wide, in addition to reminding you what public safety resources exist for residents and businesses alike.

DPD’s updated plan for real estate development and infrastructure investment within the Fulton Market neighborhood will be presented to the Chicago Plan Commission at its next meeting on February 18. Members of the public wishing to provide public comment on the plan update may do so in writing by February 17, and anybody interested in providing verbal public comment during the Plan Commission meeting should fill out the form linked on this post.

The 46th President of the United States of America, Joseph R. Biden Jr., will be sworn in tomorrow, Wednesday, January 20, 2021 on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building. Here at home, the City of Chicago is be prepared for any public gatherings or civil unrest that may occur throughout the city during the Inauguration to ensure the safety and welfare of our citizens.

Following the attacks that took place on the Capitol last week, and at the request of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), we are forwarding to everyone a public safety advisory from the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). It contains information and resources to help the public identify and address any discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED).

New local laws and regulations coming into effect in 2021 will support workers and their families, increase access to affordable housing, provide relief to businesses, close an historic budget gap and help address public safety issues. Learn more about a range of changes by reading the release.

The Department of Finance has notified us that this year's last batch of pay-by-plate ticket machines will be installed this week. The following payboxes will be installed Tuesday/Wednesday and turned on Wednesday/Thursday.

Today, the grand jury overseeing the killing of Breonna Taylor involving 3 Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officers announced wanton endangerment charges against 1 of the officers. At the request of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), we are preemptively sharing the below public safety reminders in the event of any local civil unrest.

While CPD does not expect civil unrest to occur, in light of yesterday’s shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, WI, some public safety precautions are in place this evening from 8PM-5AM tomorrow morning. There are currently no changes to public transportation and no access points in place for Downtown.

Please be advised that the restricted overnight access to the downtown area will continue through the weekend. Restricted access will be in place from 9PM to 6AM each night, ending at 6AM on Monday, August 17. The restricted access to the downtown area is not a curfew. Businesses are not required to close, taxi and ride-hail service can continue, and residents and workers will have access to the downtown area during this time through specific access points.

Effective immediately, there will temporarily be restricted access to the downtown area from 8PM to 6AM beginning this evening. The restricted access to the downtown area is not a curfew. Businesses are not required to close, taxi and ride-hail service can continue, and residents and workers will have access to the downtown area during this time through specific access points.

The City has announced that three companies have been granted permission to operate shared e-scooters in a pilot launching August 12. Bird, Lime and Spin are allowed to operate devices citywide, except for downtown, the Lakefront Trail and the Bloomingdale Trail (The 606). At the end of the four-month pilot, the City will evaluate whether shared e-scooters should be part of Chicago’s future.

Today, the City of Chicago announced new precautionary measures to further ensure the health and safety of residents and the hundreds of peaceful protestors participating in rallies. As part of these efforts, the City announced that multiple routes to the Central Business District will be temporarily reduced today following multiple public safety incidents and property damage that occurred overnight.